12 Coolest Attractions During the Winter Season in Ottawa
Winter is a special season around the world because, despite the cold, it’s not enough to stop people from making the most of this special time of the year.
In this article, we’ll list the coolest attractions for you to see in Ottawa during the winter season!
Where can I go in the winter in Ottawa?
During winter in Ottawa, you can go to Rideau Canal, the Christmas Markets, Mer Bleue Bog, Parliament Hill, Gatineau Park, Winterlude, Notre Dame Cathedral, Rideau Hall, Canadian Museum of Nature, Canada Science & Technology Museum, Canada Goose Arctic Gallery, and Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
For a quick overview of the places we mentioned, you may refer to the table below:
Despite being one of the coldest capitals in the world, Ottawa in winter is a bustling city filled with many events and activities.
If anything, you’re more than likely to have trouble finding time to visit all the city’s winter attractions and do all the activities we included.
To make it easier for you, we categorized all the coolest attractions in Ottawa depending on whether they’re outdoor or indoor.
Outdoor Attractions
Go ice skating at Rideau Canal Skateway.
When it comes to Ottawa’s most famous outdoor winter attractions, you can’t make a list without including its very own UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The Rideau Canal Skateway is the world’s biggest skating rink once winter sets in and freezes the water.
With a whopping length of 7.8 km, you’re more than likely to get exhausted if you try to finish the entire skateway in a single day.
You don’t have to worry even if you don’t have your own skates because there are many skate rentals available in the area.
Don’t be scared to take breaks too, and grab some refreshments and snacks at one of the many food and drink kiosks!
Visit Ottawa’s Christmas Markets.
For shopaholics, Ottawa’s Christmas Markets are a must-visit winter attraction where you’ll find locally-made artisan goods.
Not only are you getting superior handmade products, but you’re also helping the local community this way.
And even if you’re not planning on buying anything, window shoppers can still enjoy the hustle and bustle of activity and the sight of all the wares within the market grounds. Take a look at some of the winter markets in Ottawa below:
Go cross-country skiing.
Ottawa is a city that loves its cross-country skiing thanks to the amazing landscapes it has that are just perfect for this wintertime outdoor activity.
A lot of the city’s multi-use nature trails become perfect for cross-country skiing once the cold season arrives. The Mer Bleue Bog, for example, is one such popular multi-use trail that’s popular with outdoor lovers of all kinds.
Feel the adrenaline and enjoy the natural scenery in winter as you glide across the snowy slopes in style.
Check out the following table for a better look at the best trails for you to use:
Walk through the Pathway of Lights.
Enjoy Ottawa in winter by walking through the Pathway of Lights, where a multimedia projection lights up Parliament Hill with thousands of dazzling lights.
Different landmarks and monuments are awash with a holiday glow for you to observe and enjoy.
Whether you’re on a date, with family, or even just friends, taking a walk through Ottawa’s brightly lit landmarks is sure to have you coming back next winter for more. The best part is that it’s completely free of charge!
You’ll pass through the following areas if you follow the ceremonial route:
- National War Memorial
- Rideau Canal Park
- Confederation Park
- Mackenzie Triangle
- Reconciliation: The Peacekeeping Monument
- Jacques-Cartier Park
- Garden of Provinces and Territories
- Portage Park
- Supreme Court of Canada
Go camping in Gatineau Park.
Gatineau Park is an all-year destination for all sorts of outdoor activities, so why not try your hand at camping during the winter?
Relax and become one with nature by setting up a tent and roasting marshmallows by the fire. To really amp up the winter camping experience, try renting out a yurt or a cabin during your trip.
For more details, you may refer to the table below:
Take part in Ottawa’s yearly Winterlude.
The Winterlude Festival is a yearly winter festival celebrated in Ottawa during the first three weekends of February.
Enjoy the sight of beautiful ice sculptures, skate along the world’s biggest skating rink, which is the Rideau Canal, and play at a ginormous playground made of snow.
During this festival, you can take part in various indoor and outdoor activities.
These include window-shopping at the historic Byward Market, skating along Rideau Canal Skateway, and playing at Snowflake Kingdom. You can even visit Fairmont Chateau Laurier, another historic landmark of Ottawa.
All of these activities highlight the beauty of Canada’s diverse culture and arts. Plus, even urban sites, museums, and other attractions present seasonal events!
Indoor Attractions
Pay homage to the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Whether you follow the same faith or not, there’s no denying that Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is a work of architectural art.
And because the holidays are a special time for those who do follow the church, visiting during winter promises amazing sights.
Take a tour of Rideau Hall.
If you’re a fan of history and like seeing pieces and monuments of the past up close, look no further than Ottawa’s very own Rideau Hall. Learn about Canada’s Governor-General and their duties and role in a group or private tour.
You’ll be taken to the State Rooms, where you’ll be personally welcomed in before being guided across the various rooms which have seen countless historical events.
And while you’re there, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you have any!
Tours are free of charge, but you can only secure a slot by reservation. For more information, you may refer to the table below:
Marvel at the exhibits at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
Ottawa is a city that prides itself in preserving its colorful past, and the Canadian Museum of Nature does its best to keep it alive through the ages.
Browse through its fascinating collection of fossils, wildlife, and other remnants of its past. The Canadian Museum of Nature’s zoology collection is the most diverse and numerous, and it also offers 61,620 vertebrate specimens for you to see.
Additionally, its geology section is nothing to scoff at, as its mineral and gem collections which began over 150 years ago are still adding new specimens today. You might also like to visit its botany collections if you’re a certified plant lover.
The Canadian Museum of Nature also houses its own library & archives, where books, periodicals, art, and historical documents are carefully kept. It’s one of the oldest in Canada, tracing its beginnings all the way back to 1842.
Take a look at the table below for further details:
Have fun at the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
The Canada Science and Technology Museum offers visitors the museum experience with an interactive twist.
Whether you’re visiting with kids or friends, it’s hard not to have fun here with its interactive sound displays and exhibits.
If anything, you’ll have a harder time trying to leave when there’s so much fun to be had in every room and display available! With that said, you may refer to the table below for more info:
Wander around the Canada Goose Arctic Gallery.
The animals which call the arctic their home are fascinating creatures, and since it’s currently winter, why not visit to learn just how they manage to survive there?
Almost as soon as you walk in, you’ll be met with an amazing ice display with a constantly moving art showcase. It mainly features images of the animals that live in the arctic, along with native Inuit art.
For more information, you can check out the table below:
Drop by the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier is one of Ottawa’s prime attractions regardless of the season, thanks to its rich and interesting history and its magnificent architecture.
It even has restaurants, a bar, and even a mini-museum for you to check out.
Book a room and hang out at this historic hotel during your winter stay in Ottawa!
How to Dress for Ottawa Winter Travel
If you’re traveling to Ottawa in winter, make sure you’re wearing several layers of breathable clothes that help retain heat and or add warmth.
Ottawa can get very cold in winter, that’s why you need thick jackets, mittens, and hats to keep warm.
To be specific about what kind of clothes you should wear, make sure to bring the following: